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Making A Name 1

Kids Camp Slated, Masters In Mass. 2

Comprido @ ZenQuest, Making A Name Cont. 3

Recent Promotions, Dates to Note, Welcome New Students,

Happy Birthday, Dan Promotions 4

NEWSLETTER May 2014

Making a Name Team ZenQuest displayed total domination in two

Mixed Martial Arts fights on Friday, April 11, in Saratoga, New York. The bouts were part of Kaged Kombat’s “Friday Night Fights” event featuring fighters from 13 area Martial Arts gyms. Once again, a sizable group from ZenQuest showed up to support the fighters, and they did not disappoint!

First, Neil “Beast Mode” Von Flatern stepped back into the cage after his impressive debut back in February. That performance was hailed as the “fight-of-the-night” by the organizers against a fighter who already had a victory in the cage under his belt. This time, Neil was facing Andrew Whiting of Schaghticoke, New York, who had also previously earned a submission victory at 170 pounds.

As the bout started, the two fighters met in the center of the cage and Andrew began to throw jabs. Neil immediately shot in, took Andrew down, and established side-control. Andrew struggled to escape the position while holding onto a headlock from the bottom. Neil took advantage of Andrew’s movement and improved his position to top-mount. As Andrew continued to struggle and hold onto the headlock, Neil set up an “arm-triangle” choke and hopped over to Andrew’s other side. With a combination of Andrew’s arm in a dangerously awkward position and the arm-triangle tightening he tapped, giving Neil his second amateur win at 73 seconds into the first round. In a gesture

of sportsmanship, Neil helped Andrew up and embraced his combatant. The crowd roared as Neil’s hand was raised in victory. Next up was Eugene Plekhanov in his debut at Kaged Kombat. Eugene was facing newcomer Robert Ives of Ticonderoga, New York at 145 pounds. As the fight started, Robert attempted a leg kick and Eugene shot in to take him down and establish side-control. As in Neil’s fight, Robert struggled to return to his feet and apply a choke or headlock. Robert was able to maneuver himself over to

(Continued on page 3)

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“Beast Mode” raises his arms in celebration after his 2nd win in the cage

Newsletter - May 2014 2

Masters in Mass.

Master Toshio Higa of the Chatan Dojo in Okinawa is now expected to visit the Berkshires on Sunday, August 10th. He is a 10th Degree Black Belt/ Hanshi in Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu Karate, leader of the Chatan Dojo, and current President of the Okinawa Karatedo Association. Sensei Higa will provide a seminar at ZenQuest and soak in some of the sites and culture that he has come to love from previous visits to the area.

Master Higa will be in the U.S. as part of a training camp at Ed DeCosta’s Dojo in in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. The camp, taking place from August 4th through 8th, is part of a 40th anniversary celebration for the DeCosta Dojo. In addition to

Master Higa, the camp will also feature Master Tsutomu Nakahodo, a 10th Dan Hanshi and former President of the Okinawa Karatedo Association...and Asao Nakasone, a 4th Dan and Kata Champion in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 All Okinawa Championships. These are amazing opportunities to spend time with, and learn from some of the leading authorities in Uechi-Ryu/ Shohei-Ryu. Details for the August 10th training at ZenQuest will be available soon. For more information and registration for training at the DeCosta Dojo use the link “www.shoheiryukarate.com/masters/app_form.pdf”, or pick up a form at ZenQuest. These opportunities are becoming more rare these days . . . SO DON'T MISS THIS!

Kids Camp Slated

Two weeks of fun and learning have been scheduled for children ages 6 to 13. The 2014 Berkshire Martial Arts Camp for kids will take place during the weeks of July 21 through 25, and August 11 through 15. The camp will feature classes for Karate, Kickboxing, Jiu-jitsu, Krav Maga, Boxing, and Bully-Defense. The kids will also participate in games like “Gauntlet”, “Cage Ball”, and “Hot Potato”...and fun activities like board-breaking and “Martial Art” finger painting.

Each week or session is $150 for enrolled students, and $175 for non-students. Call 413-637-0656 for more information. Registration forms are available at the ZenQuest front desk or by request.

Newsletter - May 2014 3

the cage and get back to his feet, but Eugene quickly used a “single-leg” takedown to get him back on the canvas. As Robert attempted to use the cage to return to his feet again and apply a “Guillotine” choke, Eugene defended the choke and began to work some punches to the body. As Robert let go of the choke and began to turn away, Eugene landed a few big shots to the face. Robert turned away more and Eugene jumped on his back, and immediately sunk in a deep rear-choke. The two fell to the canvas and Robert tapped, giving Eugene his first victory in the cage at 59 seconds into the first round. For the second time that night, a Team ZenQuest fighter’s hand was raised and the crowd cheered. Although both fighters had prepared for a rounded game with striking and grappling, they each took a page out of Demian Maia’s playbook...dominating their opponent with Wrestling and Jiu-jitsu. Basically, as soon as the other fighters attempted to attack, they were taken down, neutralized and submitted.

The average time for each fight was just over a minute. The victories established a win streak for ZenQuest, now 3-0 in the cage. After the fights were over the promoters commented that ZenQuest was beginning to make a name for itself, and that they were going to have to find tougher opponents for its fighters.

Huge thanks to Neil and Eugene for putting in some hard preparation work and sacrifice, and representing the Team so well. Thanks to all of the support team for helping the guys get ready, and working towards there own goals. Thanks, too, to all of the family, friends, and team members who not only came out to watch the fights, but also lend support to the fighters in their day to day functions and challenges.

The next Kaged Kombat event is scheduled for Saturday, July 12. Stay tuned for more information!

(Continued from page 1) Making A Name

Eugene Plekhanov jumps onto his opponent’s back just before setting up a rear-choke finish

Comprido @ ZenQuest

Rodrigo "Comprido" Medeiros will be visiting ZenQuest in June! Professor Comprido is a SEVEN time world Jiu-jitsu champion who still competes, and an amazing coach. He is a long-time friend and training partner of Demian Maia, and a big proponent of the Brasa Jiu-jitsu group. Many people will remember Rodrigo from his visit last fall, when he joined Demian Maia for a seminar here.

Comprido will provide three hours of proven techniques and strategies that have helped him become an icon in the Brazilian style. The seminar will be 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, June 7th. Pre-registration will be open until June 5th, with a cost of $90 per person. Straight registration after June 5th will be $120 per person. Stop by the front desk to register or call ZenQuest at 413-637-0656.

Newsletter - May 2014 4

WELCOME NEW STUDENTSWELCOME NEW STUDENTSWELCOME NEW STUDENTSWELCOME NEW STUDENTS!!!!

YOUTH: Gabriel Xavier DeLima, Rune Ritcher ADULTS: Mark Penland, Patrick Sorensen WELCOME BACK: Jordan Koch, Scott Stetz, Dan Delehanty, Brett Maloy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 5/5 - Sam St. Peter 5/9 - Jeremy Nicholson 5/11– Kathy Petrucci 5/12 - Emmitt Shove 5/17 - Diego Cabrera, Nyla Stevens 5/19 - Matt Moreau 5/20 - Jesse Salvini 5/21 - Ed Tremblay, Dennis Fougere 5/22 - Patrick Sorensen 5/24 - Ahanu Phillips, Matt Bienia, Andres Bernal 5/25 - Jedd Hall 5/27 - Derek Raymond, Karyn Bienia, Bill Pikula 5/28 - Matt Gilbert 5/30 - Beth Prescott

RECENTRECENTRECENTRECENT PROMOTIONSPROMOTIONSPROMOTIONSPROMOTIONS

TIGERS: 6kyu - Brooke Sargent, Lillian Colvin 7kyu - Isabella Pereira 8kyu - Gavin Winger, Autumn Biernacki, Clayton Cowdrey, Jackson Almeida 9kyu - Lance Schroder, Daisy Ribero, Audrey O’Leary

DRAGONS: 8kyu - Emmitt Shove, Ryan Timm

COBRAS: 6kyu - Michael Pierce

ADULT UECHI-RYU: 1Dan - Emma Adler Jun 1Dan - Matt Gilbert 8kyu - Jason Dragonetti

YOUTH JIU-JITSU: 4th yellow - Stephen Taglieri 3rd yellow/white - Liam Nester 5th white - Connor Burt 2nd white - Atticus Clark, Al Urdabayev, Dominic Dignard, Sam Dignard

ADULT JIU-JITSU: 5th white - Matt Bienia 2nd white - Dan Harrington, Jesse Salvini

IMPORTANT DATES May/June

Sun, May 4, 1:30 p: Dan Test

Sat, May 10: NAGA Rhode Island

Sun, May 18, Noon: SPRING CLEANING DAY!

Sun/Mon, May 25/26: NO CLASSES

Sun, June 1, 1:30 p: Possible Kyu Test

Sat, June 7, 10:30 a-1:30 p: Comprido Seminar

Dan Promotions

Congratulations to two long time students on their Dan promotions in Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu on Sunday, May 4th. Matt Gilbert was promoted to Jun Shodan or Junior Black Belt, and Emma Adler was promoted to Shodan or 1st Degree Black Belt. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they both performed on an "A" level. Keep up the good work guys!

Dojo - News August 2013 5

Patches, Uniforms, and Rashguards!

Custom ZENQUEST patches are now available to all students. These are high quality patches made with a cutting edge technology called “dye-sublimation” which colors the fabric so that the design cannot be worn off. These new patches can be applied to Karate uniforms, Jiu-jitsu uniforms, shorts or gear! Small patches are $9 and large are $14 each.

High-quality custom uniforms are also now available to both Karate and Jiu-jitsu students. Karate students can now purchase white, heavy-weight, 10-ounce cotton uniforms with embroidery and patches. On the left front chest area is a traditional embroidery for the Okinawa Karatedo Kyokai (shown below), on the back is a large ZENQUEST patch (right), and on the right upper-sleeve is a small ZENQUEST patch (below.) These are $160.

The Jiu-jitsu uniforms are high-quality, comfortable fitting Hyperlight “On-The-Mat” brand Gis. The OTM Hyperlite Gi is a 400 gram Pearl Weave competition Gi. It is made of the lightest competition legal fabric, and the top is one piece of fabric which leaves no seams. This is also one of the most durable Gis on the market. They come with three custom patches and have plenty of room for more! Students can choose between white or blue Gi colors. These are $160.

Also coming soon are custom ZenQuest RASHGUARDS! These are also high-quality athletic shirts that are idea for training. They can be worn under a traditional Gi or with shorts. These are $65.

Sizing for Gis are as follows:

ADULT SIZES ~ 5'2"-5'5" | 110-140 | A-1 5'5"-5'9" | 140-170 | A-2 5'9"-6'1" | 170-200 | A-3 6'0"-6'4" | 200-250 | A-4 6'0"-6'4" | 225-275 | A-5 6'4"-6'6" | 275-300 | A-6

KIDS SIZES ~ K1 -5'0- 5'4" 125lbs 0 - 4'9-5'1" 95lbs 00 - 4'6-4'10" 75lbs 000 - 4'3-4'7" 55lbs 0000 - 4'4" <55lbs

Large patch

OKK patch

Small patch

ZenQuest Martial Arts Center 55 Pittsfield Road, Bldg # 10 Lenox, MA 01240

(Label)

Jyukyu - White Belt Kyukyu - Yellow Stripe Hachikyu - Yellow Belt Nanakyu - Blue Stripe Rokkyu - Blue Belt Gokyu - Green Stripe Yonkyu - Green Belt Sankyu - Brown Stripe Nikyu - Brown Belt Ikkyu - Black Stripe Sempai - Brown/Black Belt Jun Shodan - Black/White Belt Shodan thru Godan - Black Belt Renshi Rokudan - Black Belt w/1 gold stripe Kyoshi Nanadan - Black Belt w/2 gold stripes Kyoshi Hachidan - Black Belt w/3gold stripes

Hanshi Kyudan - Black Belt w/4 gold stripes Hanshi Jyudan - Black Belt w/5 gold stripes Note: Students must demonstrate progress in Form, Strength and Spirit/ attitude for promotions. It is considered bad form to inquire about the timing of a students next test.

CRANES 1 Gold Star - 15 classes of appropriate behavior 2 Gold Stars - 35 classes of appropriate behavior 1 Red Star - 65 classes of appropriate behavior 2 Red Stars - 105 classes of appropriate behavior

Shohei-Ryu Karate Ranking System

Adults White Belt Blue Belt Purple Belt Brown Belt Black Belt Note: Each belt can have up to four stripes. Students must demonstrate progress in Form, Strength and Spirit/ attitude for promotions. It is considered bad form to inquire about the timing of a students next test. Youth (ages 15 and under)

White Belt White/ Yellow Belt Yellow Belt White/ Orange Belt Orange Belt White/ Green Belt Yellow/ Green Belt Orange/ Green Belt Green Belt Note: Each belt can have up to four stripes. Upon graduation into Adult ranks, youth students are promoted to Blue Belt.

Jiu-jitsu Ranking System